It is well known that the Canadian west coast is blessed with temperate oceanic weather. In consequence temperatures are relatively warm in winter, cool in summer, and it rains quite often from October to June. Victoria offers plenty of activities for young children during sunny and rainy days. Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, and accessible from Vancouver by boat or airplane.
Parks, Walkways and Gardens for Sunny Days in Victoria, BC
Beacon Hill park, located at the west end of downtown along Blanshard Street, is a beautiful park where children and parents can enjoy a calm and pleasant walk among ducks and geese. The park also hosts the children's farm, which is a wonderful experience for young children who will interact with goats, get close to peacock and other mild-mannered animals. A few meters from the children's farm there is a big playground, where in the summer kids can activate the water jets themselves for some splashy fun. Don't forget to bring bathing suits and towels.
Gorge Walkway is a quiet and beautiful walkway along the Gorge street. Accessible by bus 8 and 11.
Fisher Wharf and Walkway can be reached from Dallas Road or Montreal Street. For fun go by taxi boat (from the lower Causeway in front of the Empress Hotel).
Victoria Museums for Kids During Rainy Days
- The Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville Street- 250-356-7226
This Museum explores subjects ranging from pioneer life to climate change and offers several programs for young children.
- The Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney Street- 250-384-2847
As the name indicates, this is a zoo of exotic insects. Parents and children can try for the first, and probably the last, time to handle cute insects in a safe manner. Trained staff is there to tell you about the life of all insects you will see.
- The Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan Crescent- 250-592-5323
An historical mansion built in 1890 and now restored as it was originally built and furnished with original antique furniture. There is also a big garden where children can run and play or enjoy a small pic-nic.
- The Miniature World
649 Humboldt Street- 250-385-9731
A museum that present over 80 miniature dioramas, from reproductions of European castles to battlefields and national Canadian sites. An interesting and educational afternoon for children and parents alike.
Beaches Around Victoria for Warm Days
Dallas Road and Beach Drive offer access to several beaches. These are the most popular and familial of them:
- Willow Beach at the corner of Beach drive and Dalhousie Street. Beach, playground and tea house in the summer.
- Cadboro Gyro park on Cadboro road between Sinclair Road and Penrhyn Street. Beach, playground and local shopping center.
Swimming Pools and Recreational Centers Around Victoria, BC
Most swimming pools in and around Victoria offer warm shallow pools for young children.
- The Commonwealth Place
250-475-7600
One of the best pools in Victoria. Two baths are available for young children. The shallow pool for babies and toddlers is very warm and at specific times bubble jets are activated. The second pool has a built-in pirate boat and at specific time waves are activated for exciting play. The pool provides air mattresses, life vests and balls. A long slide is also available for taller kids (48inc and more).
- The Crystal Pool
2275 Quadra street- 250-361-0732
This pool has two small baths for young children. No slide is available, and there is no family changing room.
- The Oak Bay Pool
1975 Bee Street- 250-595-7946
A family-oriented place, and very busy on Friday night. This pool has a large warm bath for babies and toddlers with a small slide for kids under 48 inches. The second bath offers a slide for taller kids.
Some recreational centers also offer ice skating facilities. Check for specific times during the week and the week-end.
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